Winners of the Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) awards have highlight the hard work, road safety, innovation and expertise throughout the industry.
The five winners of the inaugural awards were:
Outstanding Contribution to the NSW Trucking Industry: sponsored by Teletrac Navman
Leigh Smart, Formula Chemicals
NSW Transport Woman of the Year: sponsored by Daimler Truck and Bus
Roslyn Anderson, Wales Truck Repairs
NSW Professional Driver of the Year: sponsored by BP Australia
Joshua Carter, Carter Heavy Haulage
NSW Top Technical and Maintenance: sponsored by Bridgestone
Raymond “Reggie” Sutton, R Sutton Transport
NSW Best Safety Culture Award: sponsored by icare
JL Pierce Transport
RFNSW Chief Executive Officer, Simon O’Hara, said: “Congratulations to all of our winners for the valuable contributions they’ve made to our industry over the past 12 months.
“RFNSW would like to commend them all for the dedication, commitment and integrity they have shown in helping raise the awareness and appreciation of what our drivers do out on the roads each and every day.
“It’s fitting that we can formally recognise them all, as they showcase all that’s good in our industry.
“Leigh Smart, who won the Outstanding Contribution to the NSW Trucking Industry Award, has over 40 years’ experience in the HV and chemical manufacturing industry. Leigh is not only a passionate advocate for our industry, but is also deeply committed to giving back to the community. Leigh has developed a strong program of corporate social responsibility (CSR), founding and operating the biannual Truck Week awareness event for local Melrose Park school children, and he’s a generous fundraiser for the Fiji Cancer Society, as well as the Fred Hollows Foundation – Pacific Eye Institute and Fiji Blind Society.
Mr O’Hara said Roslyn Anderson, who is NSW Transport Woman of the Year, grew up in the transport industry and is a fine example of what dedication is all about.
“While working for a transport company, she studied at night at TAFE and then at university to achieve a TAFE Certificate and a Bachelor of Commerce in accounting, and she is a CPA.
“Her knowledge and expertise comes to the fore at the smash repair firm where she’s working. She’s supported the growth in the business from five to 22 employees, and still spends time at the truck workshop supporting drivers. Roslyn is also actively involved in charitable and community causes, including Convoy for Kids. We need more women like Roslyn in our industry.
Joshua Carter, who was awarded the title of NSW Professional Driver of the Year, has the safety of his staff, clients and the driving community as his main priority.
“Josh drives a staggering 700,000km a year, but has never lost a licence point or been involved in an incident. Josh continues to adopt cutting-edge technology and ongoing driver training. It’s this type of commitment to safety that is changing some of the negative perceptions associated with the transport industry,” Mr O’Hara said
“Reggie Sutton, who won the Top Technical and Maintenance Award, is a qualified diesel and automotive mechanic, and his hands-on skills and knowledge have enabled him to manage his own fleet and assist other transport operators in the Riverina area. As a 2018 TruckSafe Ambassador, Reggie is fully committed to HV safety and has become a mentor for young drivers, encouraging more people to join our industry.
“JL Pierce Transport, which took out the NSW Best Safety Culture Award, is a proud family-owned business that has been operating for over 65 years and currently operates 150 trucks, employing over 350 people. Their vision is to achieve a superior distribution service for clients through the delivery of dedicated innovative logistics, specifically within the fuel and petroleum industry. The company is committed to continual improvement and industry best practice through investment in innovation, safety and resources.”
